MANILA, Philippines — The Chinese embassy and Department of Health led the groundbreaking of a drug rehabilitation center in Sarangani yesterday.
Health Undersecretary Roger Tong-An, Sarangani Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon, Chinese embassy economic and cultural counsellor Jin Yuan and Alabel Mayor Vic Paul Salarda attended the ceremony.
Jin said the project is among the fruits of President Duterte’s state visit to China in 2016 and enhanced cooperation between the two countries.
Another drug rehabilitation center will be built also through a grant from China in Agusan del Sur. The centers are the first Chinese construction through a grant in the Philippines.
“The Chinese government will always extend a helping hand when our close neighbor and friend is in need,” Jin said.
Each rehabilitation center will have a floor area of 6,750 square meters and a 150-bed capacity.
Both centers will have an admission or administration building, a pavilion or transition villa, a staff house, motor pool , male and female dormitories and a multi-purpose covered court, among others.
The rehabilitation centers are expected to be completed within 21 months.